Etchspace Salvage BEGINNER GUIDE

Complete walkthrough for unlocking Etchspace Salvage, understanding core mechanics, and surviving your first runs

Last updated: 2026-02-08

Complete Arknights Endfield Etchspace Salvage beginner guide covering unlock requirements, derangement meter mechanics, first zone walkthrough, initial upgrade priorities, and common beginner mistakes to avoid.

* TL;DR - Key Points

  • * Unlock after main story -- Etchspace Salvage is endgame content
  • * Derangement meter is time-based and fills 3-5x faster in combat
  • * Focus on keys first to unlock sealed gates before exploring
  • * Upgrades transform the experience from surviving to optimizing
  • * Use ziplines for fast travel -- they connect entire zones
  • * Avoid unnecessary combat -- every fight increases derangement

Contents

Unlocking Etchspace Salvage

Etchspace Salvage unlocks as endgame content after completing the main story. Ensure you meet these requirements before accessing the mode.

Prerequisites

Complete these steps to unlock Etchspace Salvage:

  • ✓ Complete the main story campaign
  • ✓ Reach Authority Level 20+
  • ✓ Finish the "Aberrant Exploration" quest line

Locating the Entrance

The entrance is located in the Enfield Base area. Look for a special interaction point that becomes available after storyline completion. The entrance will only appear if you've completed all prerequisites.

Your First Access

When you first enter, you'll encounter the Starting Zone (Zone 0), a Rest Zone where derangement doesn't accumulate, and the First Sealed Gate requiring 5 keys. Take your first run slow—tutorials will explain the derangement system.

Core Mechanics Explained

Understanding Etchspace Salvage's core systems is essential for survival. The derangement meter, inventory system, and zone layout work together to create a time-limited exploration experience.

Action Derangement Cost
Walking Very low
Combat Medium-High (3-5x walking)
Looting crates/vendors Medium-High
Breaking crystals High
Resting in rest zones Pauses accumulation

Critical Rule: You cannot interact with nodes or vendors while in combat.

Enemies often gather around key objectives, forcing you to engage. This derangement cost is intentional and tests your resource management skills.

Inventory System

  • Base capacity: 10 slots
  • Upgradeable: Up to significantly higher limits
  • Valuable items: Go to Valuables Stash (don't consume inventory)

Zone Layout

Currently 3 zones are accessible:

  • Zone 0 - Tutorial area, first sealed gate (★☆☆)
  • Zone 1 - Side quests, shortcuts, first full exploration (★★☆)
  • Zone 2 - Complex routing, zipline networks (★★★)
  • Zone 3 - Boss fights, maximum loot density (★★★)

Note: Zones 4 and 5 exist but are locked for future content.

First Zone Walkthrough

Your first runs introduce the core gameplay loop. Focus on survival and unlocking progression rather than optimization.

Zone 0: The Tutorial

Goal: Collect 5 keys and exit through sealed gate

  1. 1. Explore systematically -- Don't take detours for loot
  2. 2. Prioritize key locations -- Keys marked on mini-map
  3. 3. Fight only when necessary -- Avoid if not blocking path
  4. 4. Use rest zone -- Return to spawn to reset derangement
  5. 5. Unlock sealed gate -- All 5 keys required

Pro Tip: First Run Strategy

Looting orundum chests on your first run is tempting but costly. While valuable, they consume significant derangement and will still be there on subsequent runs. Focus on keys and exit immediately.

Zone 1: Your First Real Run

Goal: Unlock shortcuts, complete initial commissions

  • Commission focus: Each commission requires specific materials
  • Shortcut priority: Unlock ziplines and back doors first
  • Limit looting: Only grab what commissions need
  • Fight efficiently: Use SP-heavy skills to end fights fast

First Upgrades

Upgrades dramatically change the Etchspace Salvage experience. Prioritize correctly to minimize frustration.

Upgrade Impact Priority
Derangement Limit Doubles run time ⭐⭐⭐
Derangement Rate Slows meter by 40% ⭐⭐⭐
Inventory Capacity Carry more loot ⭐⭐

Resource Requirements

Upgrades require materials collected in Etchspace Salvage:

  • Energy Nodes -- Small resource nodes throughout zones
  • Big Crystals -- Breakable formations giving upgrade currency
  • Commission Materials -- Specific items for each commission

Pro Tip: Upgrade Currency Strategy

Don't spend upgrade currency immediately. Save enough to unlock 2-3 upgrades in rapid succession. Quick upgrades provide exponential improvement by reducing derangement costs.

Expected Improvement

After your first 3 upgrades, expect:

  • Derangement Limit: 2x initial capacity
  • Run Time: 3-4x longer before forced exit
  • Inventory: Carry full commission requirements
  • Experience: Shift from "surviving" to "optimizing"

Ziplines and Fast Travel

Ziplines are your primary tool for efficient navigation. Learn their patterns to cut travel time by 80-90%.

Zipline Spawning

Ziplines permanently spawn after:

  • ✓ Visiting a new area
  • ✓ Clearing major obstacles
  • ✓ Unlocking sealed gates
Zone Zipline Network Benefit
Zone 1 Central hub connections Skip long corridors
Zone 2 Vertical routing Access upper levels instantly
Zone 3 Cross-zone links 190m highway routes

Pro Tip: 190m Cross-Zone Shortcut

You can zipline from the end of Zone 2 all the way to the top of the highway (190m+ distance). This connects multiple zones and dramatically speeds up navigation between Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3.

Backtracking Strategy

The interconnected design enables efficient material gathering:

  • Zone hop: Move between zones for specific materials
  • Return path planning: Always know route back to safe zone
  • Zone 3 shortcuts: Zipline back to Zone 1 in ~15 seconds

Remember: Plan routes to minimize retracing steps. Unlocking ziplines early pays dividends in all future runs.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Taking Too Many Detours

Getting distracted by orundum chests or optional loot on your first run. Fix: Focus on quests and keys first. Loot optional items after upgrading derangement limits.

2. Looting Too Much Before Upgrades

Filling inventory with random materials you don't need. Fix: Only pick up items required for active commissions. Let extras stay in the world.

3. Fighting Unnecessary Enemies

Engaging every enemy you see. Fix: Avoid enemies not blocking your path. Use area attacks to clear groups quickly when you must fight.

4. Not Unlocking Shortcuts First

Prioritizing loot over ziplines and doors. Fix: Always unlock ziplines and permanent shortcuts before optional looting. Think of it as investing in future runs.

5. Ignoring Rest Zones

Spending time in danger zones without active objectives. Fix: Return to safe zones between objectives. Use rest zones to plan next steps.

6. Forgetting Quest Requirements

Starting a run without knowing exactly what you need. Fix: Always check active commissions before entering. Note materials and quantities required.

7. Choosing the Wrong First Upgrade

Upgrading inventory capacity before addressing time limitations. Fix: Prioritize derangement limit first, then derangement rate. Inventory is only useful after time isn't limiting.

8. Not Planning Exit Routes

Exploring without knowing how to return to safe zones efficiently. Fix: Always note your path back. Unlocks should be near exit routes for maximum efficiency.

Quick Reference Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you unlock Etchspace Salvage in Arknights: Endfield?

Complete the main story campaign, reach Authority Level 20+, and finish the 'Aberrant Exploration' quest line. The entrance is in Enfield Base and unlocks after storyline completion.

What is the derangement meter in Etchspace Salvage?

The derangement meter is your time limit. It fills 3-5x faster in combat than exploration. Combat, looting, and breaking crystals all increase derangement significantly. Standing in rest zones pauses accumulation.

When should you upgrade derangement limit vs. rate?

Upgrade Derangement Limit first to double your run time, then Derangement Rate to slow the meter's build-up by 40%. The rate upgrade is more valuable long-term as it adds 6-8 minutes of exploration time.

How do ziplines work in Etchspace Salvage?

Ziplines permanently spawn after visiting areas and unlock shortcuts. Approach an anchor and press the interaction key. ziplines connect all zones, allowing fast travel between Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 in under 15 seconds.

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